Fire Wave Trail, Valley of Fire State Park | Moapa Valley, NV

The Fire Wave Trail is the newest addition to the Valley of Fire State Park. What was once a lesser-known, unmarked trail to the breathtaking vista of colorful sandstone is now a clearly marked, well-traveled trail.

The image of the Fire Wave had appeared on covers of Nevada Tourism trails and photography sites for years. Besides pictures, however, hikers were both intrigued and tormented by the fact that there was no clear-cut trail or information on how to get to it before.

Now the trail is easily accessible, so much so that it attracts visitors from across the country who would prefer the Fire Wave as opposed to visiting its difficult to get to and lottery-based rivals—White Pocket and The Wave. Fire Wave offers colorful striations that have formed to create a “wave-like” pattern in the rocks. It bears a striking resemblance to “The Wave” near Page, Arizona, but Fire Wave is almost just as incredible and you don’t ned a permit to visit like you do at “The Wave”.

The Fire Wave is located in the Valley of Fire State Park, about 50 miles from Las Vegas. This popular and easily accessible park is home to many other must-see hikes including the short hike to Elephant Rock and the White Domes trail. Take the short, yet scenic drive toward Rainbow Vista and White Domes. Pass the first two numbered parking lots until you reach lot #3.

View from Parking Lot #3

After parking in parking lot #3, you’ll see a sign that directs you to cross the road to the trailhead. Here you’ll see a sign that reads “Fire Wave”. At the trailhead, the first 0.4 miles winds down and around a small ridge. This portion of the trail follows a soft, sandy trail through the desert.

Soon you’ll come across a large rock formation. The trail turns right and meanders around this formation then continues south. Soon you’ll be walking on rock in an open area with only the desert surrounding you. This section of the trail features a variety of different rocks—red, pink, and white in color. Here there will be a smile rise in the trail.

Just a few minutes later you will drop over another rise. Then the Fire Wave will come into view—a stunning landscape of reddish, pink, and white rock swirled. The Fire Wave isn’t as large as pictures may make it appear, however it is a site you’ve likely never seen before. When you’ve fully explored the Fire Wave, follow the same trail back out towards Parking Lot #3.

Fire Wave Trail Tips

Tip #1: Hike the Fire Wave Trail in the winter and spring months when the temperatures are lower. With no shade coverage this hike can be brutal in the summer.

Tip #2: The trail itself is only 1.25-miles roundtrip, however because of the uniqueness of this hike, allow for additional time for picture taking and exploring.

Tip #3: The Fire Wave trailhead is across the road from the parking lot. Exercise caution when crossing the park road.

Tip #4: Photography is pinnacle at the Fire Wave. Sunset photography of the Fire Wave may be more difficult than expected in winter due to the low setting sun. 1-2 hours prior to sunset would be a prime opportunity to capture pictures here.

Tip #5: Noticeable, brown markers will guide you the entirety of the time. Follow the marked cairns to ensure you stay on track.

Tip #6: Walk around the entire wave formation to capture this beauty from all angles. You can also proceed past the Wave to further explore, climb higher rock formations.

Tip #7: Take a moment to stop and take in the Rainbow Vista on your way out of the Valley of Fire State Park. It only takes a moment to view and take a picture, but will be a memory and photo that will last a lifetime.

Driving Directions

From Las Vegas, follow I-15 North and take exit 75 onto the Valley of Fire Highway and travel 14.5 miles to the west park entry station. The Fire Wave Trailhead is 4.3 miles north of the park Visitor Center along the road to White Domes. Park at parking lot #3 and the trailhead is directly across the park road.